What does authenticity mean? The dictionary describes it as “of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine”. Meaning being real and true.
To be authentic in todays creative industry is is harder then before; the development of social media has influence more artist to create amazing art/ design. Now day finding and sharing an art work has become earlier. The positive side is more people are being inspired through social media, and it has influences people to create they own creative medium. Internet has allowed us to share our creative skill meaning most of your work is inspired by someone or something. Therefore, in my opinion to be truly authentic in today’s world can be challenging but not impossible.
During the early development of the Modernism movement Paul Strand was one of the greatest and most influential photographers of the the 20th century whose images have captures abstract viewpoints also defined the way fine art and documentary photography is understood and practised today. Edward Hopper was influenced by this style and produced paintings with a similar effect.
This is relevant today because modernism as a principle strips away old convention to the bare bones of simple style in pursuit of making new, this still holds value in modern practice, we see these principles in our everyday lives with the use of abstraction and sans serif design.
The argument to Hoppers authenticity could be the differences in subject matter and media. He was influenced by an artists work but interpreted with his own style and ideas to create an original concept.
I think it is impossible to be truly authentic; we learn from history with even new ideas and styles can be related to another even subconsciously in some way.
reference
http://www.jobdig.com/articles/1778/What_Does_it_Mean_to_be_Authentic%3F.html